Tulips Lose Close Encounter In Heartbreaking Circumstances

Looking to have secured an invaluable point in their quest to avoid relegation, the Tulips were undone by a goal in added-time...

A goal scored deep into added time by visiting Frickley Athletic denied the Tulips of a vital NPL Evo-Stik East Division point at a frosty Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field.

On a sticky playing surface thawing from a dusting off overnight snow and frost, the game was a somewhat scrappy affair fought out mainly in the midfield and with few out and out scoring opportunities. The game had a goalless feeling throughout but ended in despair for the Tulips with Philip Watt breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute of added time amid a goalmouth melee.

The Yorkshire visitors had tipped the October meeting of the two teams by the odd goal in three and since a chance of manager had been enjoying a free-scoring run, the previous week having slammed local rivals Stamford AFC 4-1.

However, they had their work cut-out to overcome a hard working Spalding side who included experienced new signing Taron Hare from Matlock Town at right-back who made an early impact with a crucial goalline clearance to deny Frickley’s Tyler Walton.

The Tulips suffered a setback after only ten minutes with midfielder Jack Brownell limping off with a leg injury and being replaced by Jack Fixter.

Home ‘keeper Michael Duggan comfortably saved from Jamie Guire while at the other end Fixter fully tested Hugo Warhurst.

The Tulips best opportunity came in the opening minutes of the second-half. Kegan Everington did well to gain possession midway into the visitors’ half and delivered the ball with precision to the advancing Romario Martin, but his shot from 12 yards curled inches wide of the target with Warhurst struggling.

Shortly afterwards Rudy Misambo was not to far away with a powerful header from Everington’s corner. With 15 minutes remaining another Everington corner, this time in swinging, was deflected wide of the far post.

Frickley piled on the pressure in the closing stages but the home defence, defiant as ever, held them at bay before finally being beaten in the fourth of six minutes of added time.

Team: Michael Duggan, Taron Hare, Liam Marshall, Issac Cooper, Neal Spafford, Rudy Misambo, Jack Brownell (Jack Fixter, 7 mins), Kegan Everington, Bradley Wells, Romario Martin, James Hugo. Subs: Luke White (Jack Fixter, 89 mins), Archie Moyes, George Zuerner, Alex Smith.

Tulip Supporter’s Man-of-the-Match: Michael Duggan

Att:125

NEXT HOME FIXTURE

Saturday 23rd February
KO: 3.00pm
NPL Evo-Stik East Division
Spalding United v Stamford AFC

Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field
Winfrey Avenue
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 1DA

Adults: £8.00
Concessions/Students: £5.00
Youths (12-16): £2.00
Accompanied U21s: FREE!

The Tulips Social Club will be open from midday, serving all manner of fine beverages and screening LIVE Premier League/EFL football - eveyone welcome!...